4-Inch Soil Temperature in Virginia
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Virginia is 80°F, measured at 5 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 77°F to 86°F. Soil across Virginia is running 3°F above the seasonal normal of 77°F for mid-August, based on 5 of 5 stations with historical records. Last updated August 9, 2026.
Why the 4-Inch Reading
Every reading here is measured at native 4-inch depth by USDA SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network) and NOAA USCRN (US Climate Reference Network) stations — not modeled. The 4-inch root-zone temperature changes more slowly than the surface, making it the steadier signal for established-lawn and garden timing: pre-emergent and broadleaf herbicide windows, fertilizer applications, and core aeration.
Stations Measuring 4-Inch Depth in Virginia (5)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| N Piedmont Arec (Orange) | 81°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Shenandoah (Augusta) | 77°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Reynolds Homestead (Patrick) | 78°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Cape Charles 5 ENE | 86°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Charlottesville 2 SSE | 79°F | 2026-08-09 |
Cities in Virginia (74)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Abingdon | 24210 | — |
| Alexandria | 22301 | 81°F |
| Arlington | 22201 | 81°F |
| Ashburn | 20146 | 81°F |
| Blacksburg | 24060 | 78°F |
| Blackstone | 23824 | 79°F |
| Bowling Green | 22427 | 81°F |
| Bristol | 24201 | — |
| Burke | 22009 | 81°F |
| Centreville | 20120 | 81°F |
| Chantilly | 20151 | 81°F |
| Charlottesville | 22901 | 79°F |
| Chesapeake | 23320 | 86°F |
| Chester | 23831 | 81°F |
| Chesterfield | 23832 | 79°F |
| Christiansburg | 24068 | 78°F |
| Danville | 24540 | 78°F |
| Dulles | 20101 | 81°F |
| Dumfries | 22025 | 81°F |
| Fairfax | 22030 | 81°F |
| Falls Church | 22040 | 81°F |
| Farmville | 23901 | 79°F |
| Fredericksburg | 22401 | 81°F |
| Gainesville | 20155 | 81°F |
| Glen Allen | 23058 | 81°F |
| Hamilton | 20158 | 81°F |
| Hampton | 23630 | 86°F |
| Harrisonburg | 22801 | 79°F |
| Haymarket | 20168 | 81°F |
| Henrico | 23075 | 81°F |
| Herndon | 20170 | 81°F |
| Jarratt | 23867 | — |
| Leesburg | 20175 | 81°F |
| Lorton | 22079 | 81°F |
| Lynchburg | 24501 | 77°F |
| Manassas | 20108 | 81°F |
| Marshall | 20115 | 81°F |
| Martinsville | 24112 | 78°F |
| Mc Lean | 22101 | 81°F |
| Mechanicsville | 23111 | 81°F |
| Merrifield | 22081 | 81°F |
| Middleburg | 20117 | 81°F |
| Middletown | 22645 | 81°F |
| Midlothian | 23112 | 79°F |
| Newport News | 23601 | 86°F |
| Nokesville | 20181 | 81°F |
| Norfolk | 23501 | 86°F |
| Oak Hall | 23396 | 86°F |
| Petersburg | 23803 | — |
| Portsmouth | 23701 | 86°F |
| Purcellville | 20132 | 81°F |
| Quantico | 22134 | 81°F |
| Radford | 24141 | 78°F |
| Reston | 20190 | 81°F |
| Richmond | 23218 | 81°F |
| Roanoke | 24001 | 78°F |
| Round Hill | 20141 | 81°F |
| Smithfield | 23430 | 86°F |
| Spotsylvania | 22551 | 81°F |
| Springfield | 22150 | 81°F |
| Stafford | 22554 | 81°F |
| Staunton | 24401 | 77°F |
| Sterling | 20163 | 81°F |
| Strasburg | 22641 | 81°F |
| Suffolk | 23432 | 86°F |
| Upperville | 20184 | 81°F |
| Vienna | 22180 | 81°F |
| Virginia Beach | 23450 | 86°F |
| Warrenton | 20186 | 81°F |
| Waverly | 23890 | 86°F |
| Williamsburg | 23185 | 86°F |
| Winchester | 22601 | 81°F |
| Woodbridge | 22191 | 81°F |
| Yorktown | 23690 | 86°F |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Virginia
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Virginia?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Virginia is 80°F, measured at 5 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 77°F to 86°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Virginia is running 3°F above the seasonal normal of 77°F for mid-August, based on 5 of 5 stations with historical records.
What does the 4 inch soil temperature mean?
The 4 inch soil temperature shows conditions deeper in the root zone than the 2 inch germination reading. It is commonly used for established lawn, garden, and agricultural timing because it changes more slowly than the surface layer, so it is a steadier signal for fertilizer, aeration, and weed-control decisions.
Why use 4-inch soil temperature instead of 2-inch?
Use 2 inches for germination decisions, since that is where seeds sit. Use the 4 inch soil temperature for established lawn and garden timing: it reads the root zone, changes more slowly than the surface, and is the depth most fertilizer, aeration, and disease guidance references.
See the national 4-inch soil temperature map, the full Virginia soil temperature directory (all depths), or the live national soil temperature map.